AMERICAN INSURANCE ASSOCIATION: APCIA and U.S. Chamber of Commerce to Co-Host Event on Solutions to Address the Opioid Crisis

American Insurance Association issued the following announcement on Sept. 27.

On Monday, September 28, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) will co-host a virtual discussion with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to offer solutions to address the devastating impact of the opioid crisis. The virtual event, Erasing the Stigma: Ending the Opioid Epidemic, will include remarks by The Honorable James Carroll, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy; Suzanne Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Christopher J. Swift, chairman and CEO of The Hartford; Courtney Hunter, vice president of Shatterproof; and David A. Sampson, president and CEO of APCIA.

Since mid-March, drug overdoses have risen by almost 18 percent, and more than 40 states have reported increases in opioid-related mortality. Now, more than ever, strong public-private partnerships to address the opioid epidemic are vital.

“COVID-19 has created new, detrimental obstacles that are contributing to increased opioid use, abuse, and risk for relapse to those in recovery,” said David A. Sampson of APCIA. “While the global health dialogue has focused on COVID-19, our nation’s ongoing opioid crisis has not disappeared. And sadly, it may have worsened.”

Panelists will discuss solutions to combat the addiction crisis, including employee assistance programs, education, benefits, and prevention efforts, such as the Opioid Aware Program created by The Hartford and Shatterproof.

“The opioid crisis continues to be a critical issue for families, communities, and companies,” said Christopher Swift of The Hartford. Given the recent increase in overdoses, there’s an urgent need for businesses to unite and take action to create greater awareness, drive prevention, and foster treatment and recovery. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss strategic solutions that The Hartford has found make a difference in the opioid crisis, including breaking down addiction stigma.”¿¿

Register for the Event Here. The event is open to the media.

Original source can be found here.